The Future of James Bond: A New Era Awaits

It has been three long years since the release of the last James Bond film, and following the dramatic conclusion of No Time To Die, which marked the first time 007 met his end, anticipation is building for what the 26th Bond film will bring. A fresh reboot is essential, akin to the transformation that the franchise underwent with Daniel Craig’s debut in Casino Royale. Fans are left speculating about the direction that Barbara Broccoli and her team have planned for the iconic series.

Currently, Aaron Taylor-Johnson stands out as the frontrunner to succeed Craig as the next Bond. However, as time drags on without an official announcement, it’s entirely possible that a new contender could emerge at any moment. With no script or director in place, fans find themselves pondering who might create the next Bond theme song. The uncertainty is palpable.

Admittedly, this isn’t the longest gap between Bond films in history. In fact, we’ve experienced longer waits before. The first six-year hiatus occurred between Timothy Dalton’s last film, 1989’s License to Kill, and Pierce Brosnan’s inaugural outing in 1995 with GoldenEye. We faced another lengthy break between 2015’s Spectre and 2021’s No Time to Die.

So, will it be yet another three years before Bond 26 hits the screens? According to a key figure at Amazon, which acquired MGM in 2022 for a staggering $8.5 billion, patience is essential. In a conversation with The Guardian, Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke stated, “The global audience will be patient. We don’t want too much time between films, but we are not concerned at this point.” While this statement is frustratingly vague, there’s little that can be done to change the situation. Moreover, a prolonged hiatus may ultimately benefit the franchise, which is in need of revitalization. Just look at how GoldenEye reinvigorated interest in the series—thanks in no small part to Judi Dench’s introduction as M—and Casino Royale was a much-needed refresh that led to Craig’s five-film tenure over 15 years. Given Craig’s immense popularity, it seems prudent not to rush the next installment.

However, one recent interview raises intriguing possibilities. While there are myriad options for casting a new Bond and the potential for a fresh era, a film’s hero is only as compelling as its villain. Saoirse Ronan shared her thoughts in a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. If you’re like us at Euronews Culture, you pay attention when Ronan speaks; she’s a force to be reckoned with.

In this engaging interview, the 30-year-old Irish actress—renowned for her roles in Hanna, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Brooklyn, Lady Bird, Little Women, and the upcoming Blitz by Steve McQueen—revealed that she would prefer to turn down a role in a Marvel movie if it meant securing a part as a James Bond villain. When asked what unique characteristic she might embody as a villain, she humorously suggested, “a limp.”

Now, take a moment to let that idea sink in. Imagine the possibilities.

As we reflect on Ronan’s recent appearance at the fourth annual Academy Museum Gala, her stylish and slightly menacing aura is hard to ignore. She could be the ideal adversary for a new Bond—bringing not only her impressive range but also a complex layer of humanity combined with a chilling sense of malice that the franchise has yet to fully explore.

Furthermore, if a much-needed renaissance for 007 is on the horizon, the role of the female villain must also evolve. Historically, male villains have dominated the franchise, relegating female characters to secondary roles or side villains. Notable female antagonists like Rosa Klebb, Fiona Volpe, May Day, and Xenia Onatopp have left their mark, yet they have always been overshadowed by their male counterparts.

• Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya) in From Russia With Love
• Fiona Volpe (Luciana Paluzzi) in Thunderball
• May Day (Grace Jones) in A View To A Kill
• Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen) in GoldenEye
• Elektra King (Sophie Marceau) in The World Is Not Enough

All have made their impact, yet they often serve merely as foils to the main male villain. It’s time for the Bond franchise to feature a truly formidable female villain as the primary antagonist. Casting an actress of Ronan’s caliber and charisma could not only shatter outdated norms but also lead the franchise in a bold and exciting direction. This is an opportunity that simply cannot be overlooked.

To add even more excitement, during her interview, Ronan hinted at her husband, 34-year-old actor Jack Lowden of Slow Horses, as a potential candidate for the next James Bond. Imagine the dynamic they could create on screen—a metatextual relationship that would not only refresh the series but also draw in a new generation of moviegoers.

As we look ahead, we can only hope that the Bond producers are taking careful notes. Yet, we may be in for a long wait for the next chapter in this beloved franchise. Here are our predictions:

• When will the cast/title be announced? Late 2026.
• Who will play the new Bond? History shows that as soon as someone becomes a frontrunner, they often fall out of favor. Daniel Craig wasn’t on anyone’s radar when he was cast, so while we’d love to see Aaron Taylor-Johnson or Jack Lowden, it’s likely they won’t be the ones. But when it comes to villains, Ronan seems like a surefire choice.
• Who will direct the new film? While many fans dream of Christopher Nolan helming the project, he insists on having final cut—something Barbara Broccoli is not keen on. Directors like David Michôd, Yann Demange, or Edward Berger could be interesting, but ultimately Eon will likely opt for a safe pair of hands they trust. Our money is on Martin Campbell, who has successfully rejuvenated the franchise twice with GoldenEye and Casino Royale.
• Will it be set in present-day or a period reboot? A period setting could be a risky but rewarding move. However, the series is known for its product placements, so a return to the 1950s-1960s could pose financial challenges. They’ll likely stick to a more contemporary approach while still aiming to innovate.
• When will the next Bond film hit theaters? Don’t hold your breath. This reboot has to be flawless, especially considering the tremendous box office success of Craig’s films and the affection audiences have for him. We predict a release date no earlier than late 2027.

Let’s hope Saoirse is still on board when that time finally arrives.